Mars plans to triple its size again in Brazilian market through 2020

Valor International

Mars, owner of M&M's, Twix and Snickers chocolate brands, expects to triple its size again in Brazil in the 2017-2020 period, with a boost in distribution and increased local chocolate production. The company tripled in size in the country between 2012 and 2016, to 6% from 2% of total sales, according to Nielsen data. The expansion plan includes a R$500 million investment in the chocolate division, announced in 2015 and to be completed in 2020. The investment involves a new administrative unit and the expansion of the Guararema plant, in São Paulo, for the local production of Snickers, which are now imported from the US. "The expectation is to have local production by 2019," said Filipe Fonseca, president of Mars Brasil.